WOW! 104 reviews, 49 followers, and 21 favorites! You guys are seriously AWESOME! I can't thank you enough for staying so patient, and all of your amazing reviews. Like last chapter, I wasn't even sure people were still interested but all the reviews proved that theory wrong! I had no idea I would get this many readers. I started this story with the intention that only like five people would read it, because I didn't even think people still read One Tree Hill fan fics since it's over now :( I literally watched all nine seasons with in two months, but it sucked because the show was over when I started. Literally though, the show changed my life- and I'm obsessed (especially with Naley!) They're perfect. Okay enough with my long rant, enjoy this chapter!

(I still have no idea how long this fic will be because I make it up as I go, lol, but I don't want to drag it out.. I still have so many ideas though, so I'm not sure what to do- but, I swear I will finish this- and if I don't that probably meant that I died. Soooo.. if you haven't already, check out my other fics! I'm working on one called 'I Never Told You' and once I finish this one, I plan on making one where Naley are famous actors working together, and also another one when they're best friends and fall in love, cliche- I know)

Chapter 27: Invincible

Nathan sprawled out across his leather couch, and closed his eyes. He had a long, hard day, and he had no idea what he was going to happen with his life. He knew one thing for sure though, that Haley would be by his side through it all. A small smile stretched across Nathan's face, at the thought. He closed his eyes, and got lost in his thoughts, when suddenly there was a soft knock at the door. Nathan glanced at the clock, and furrowed his brows. It was 12:30 and everyone was at work. Who could it be?

He hopped up from the couch, and flung the door open, revealing a teary eyed, Haley. Before Nathan could say anything, she flung her arms around him.

"Hales are you okay?" Nathan asked worriedly.

Haley didn't speak, but just buried her head in Nathan's chest, letting out a loud sob.

Nathan pulled away slightly, and looked into her bloodshot eyes. "Haley, what's going on?"

Haley gulped, as she looked into Nathan's eyes. "I quit." She responded barely above a whisper.

"I'm sorry, did you just say you quit?" Nathan asked in a high voice.

Haley dropped her head, and nodded slowly.

"Why would you quit?' Nathan shouted. "You can't quit!"

Haley sighed deeply, and placed her hand on Nathan's arm. "We are a couple Nathan, meaning we do things together. It wouldn't be fair if you got fired, and I didn't."

"But Hales-" Nathan protested.

"No Nathan, listen to me." Haley declared firmly. "I am just as much to blame as you are. I wouldn't be able to live with myself knowing that you got fired and I didn't. You are my boyfriend, and I'm not going to sit back and watch you get in trouble, because you don't deserve that. Why should be be punished for being in love? I appreciate that you stuck up for me, and yeah it sucks we don't have jobs, but I can find somewhere else to teach, but I can't- and I won't- find another you. I love you Nathan, and right now that's all that matters to me."

Nathan smiled, "I love you too Hales, but are you sure you made the right decision?"

Haley nodded, and placed a long, loving kiss on Nathan's lips. She put her hands on both of his cheeks, and looked intently into his blue eyes. "I've never been so sure of anything in my life."

Nathan smiled, and kissed Haley again. "Me too." He agreed, "I just feel bad. I didn't want you to give everything up for me."

"I didn't. I gave it up for us." Haley smiled.

"God, I love you!" Nathan whispered against Haley's lips, and pulled her in for an earth shattering kiss.

They were forced to pull apart when Nathan's phone started to ring. "Sorry, I should probably get that."

Haley smiled, still in a trance from Nathan's kiss. "Okay."

Nathan walked over to the coffee table, where his iPhone was ringing, and he slid the button to answer the call.

"Hello?" He answered.

"Nathan?" The voice asked.

"Yeah, who's this?"

"You seriously don't know?" The voice chuckled.

"Clay?" Nathan asked exasperated.

Clay let out a small laugh. "Yeah. You remember me don't you? I'm your agent slash best friend. Ring any bells?"

Nathan rolled his eyes, "I know who you are Clay. Why are you calling?"

"Harsh much?" Clay joked.

Nathan sighed. Clay would always act like this, even during a serious discussion.

"Just get to the point Clay."

"Did I interrupt something, you know- maybe a little action with Haley James?" Clay laughed while making kissing noises.

Nathan furrowed his brows, as he balled his fists next to his sides. "How the hell do you know about that?"

"I'm your agent. I know everything. Just like I know you got fired today. Do you mind explaining that to me, Nathan?" Clay asked more seriously.

Nathan gulped, and placed a hand on his forehead. "Uhh.."

Haley looked over at Nathan who seemed to be really stressed out, so she walked over to him, and clasped her arms around his waist, hugging him from behind.

Nathan instantly relaxed when he felt Haley's warm body behind his.

"Nathan?" Clay asked again. "What the hell happened?"

"I got fired." He mumbled.

"Yea, I know. Why?"

"Because I'm in love, Clay." Nathan said, with a small smile. Haley had no idea who Clay was but she kissed Nathan's shoulder blade when she heard him say he was in love.

"So what does that have to do with you being fired?"

Nathan took another deep breath, "Because, she's my co-worker, and we broke the rules, since the staff isn't allowed to date."

"That's great Nate!" Clay said sarcastically. "So you're willing to give up your job from a few good lays?"

Nathan's nostrils flared, and he felt the anger bubbling through his blood. "That's not it at all! I love her Clay! This isn't about that. She's different, and I'm in love with her."

Clay snickered, "Love is a lie. And you say you're in love now, but what happens in a few months when you break up? Then you won't have her or your job. Did you ever think about that?"

Nathan sighed angrily. "You know what Clay? You're really not helping, so why did you even call?"

"Because I'm your agent, and I'm responsible for getting you out of the crap that you dig your self into."

"I'm not even in the public eye anymore!" Nathan argued.

"That doesn't matter. You still have a contract with the NBA, and you promised that you wouldn't get into trouble. You know your suspension was only for two years. The draft is coming up, and the Bobcats wanted you back. I guess you blew it Nate."

Nathan blew out a deep breath. "Are you serious?"

"Yeah! We were supposed to have a meeting in two weeks. I mean, now that you don't have a job, I guess I can pull some strings with the manager." Clay said into the phone.

"Okay, yeah, just do that. Keep me informed on how that goes." Nathan replied.

"Well you need to keep your reputation clear. That was the whole point of you going to Tree Hill, remember?"

Nathan nodded, "Yeah, I know. I'm sorry. Look it's not even a big deal. I got fired, so what? It's not like I had an affair with a student or something. She's a co-worker."

Clay rubbed his temples, "That doesn't matter. Your contract said that you will stay low key for a year, but now since your a former NBA player, people are going to want to know what's up, and you know how the paparazzi are. There are going to be crazy rumors!"

"Shit!" Nathan breathed. "You need to make sure Haley's information doesn't get released to the public!"

"That's going to be impossible Nathan, you know that!" Clay advised.

"Just do what ever you need to do! She doesn't deserve to be exploited like that!"

"Well maybe you should have thought about this before you decided to fall for her!" Clay shouted angrily.

"I can't help it!" Nathan argued.

"I'll try my best Nate, but I can't make any promises. In the mean time, try not to go out. You need to stay low key. Haley too. We're going to have to set up a press conference too."

"What! Why?" Nathan snapped.

"Because we need to make this a positive thing, not negative. Just say that you love Haley and blah, blah, blah!"

Nathan clenched his jaw. "Absolutely not! I will not exploit my freaking relationship to make me look like a better person. I don't care what anyone thinks."

Clay sighed into the phone. "Listen man, you really don't have a choice. I'll set up the conference now, and I'll call you back later. Okay?"

"Yeah, whatever." Nathan muttered.

"Dude, I'm trying to help you, so just chill. Everything will work out." Clay advised.

"I hope you're right." Nathan sighed, and ended the call. When he tossed his phone on the couch, he let his head roll back, and he took a deep breath.

"Is everything okay baby?" Haley asked, still hugging him from behind.

Nathan shook his head, "No, it's not."

"What's wrong?" Haley asked while biting her lip.

"I think you should take a seat for this." Nathan advised.

Haley rolled her lower lip through her teeth, and took a seat on the couch. "What's going on?"

Nathan started to pace around his living room, and inhaled sharply. "Good news or bad news first?" Nathan asked.

"Umm.. I guess bad." Haley responded.

"Okay, well there's a possibility that you're information will be released to the public." Nathan said carefully.

Haley's stomach dropped, "So what does that mean?"

Nathan gulped, "Stuff about the rape, and just anything newsworthy. The public just eats this stuff up."

Haley blinked rapidly to try and hold in her tears. "Oh no." She whispered. "No, no,no,no! This can not be happening! Oh my god! Jackson! He's only five! I can't have him being exploited! I'm going to have to move again- maybe out of the country!" Haley ranted.

Nathan almost laughed, but he knew she was freaking out, and didn't want to upset her more, so instead he walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her.

"It's okay baby, everything will be okay." He whispered.

Haley let out a long sob, "No, it's not. This is going to ruin everything!" She cried.

Nathan rubbed soothing circles on her back, "My agent is going to try his best so that nothing like that happens. Okay?"

Haley buried her face into Nathan's shirt, and just simply nodded. "What's the good news?" She asked.

"Oh... well... there's a slight chance I might get to play in the NBA again." Nathan stated nervously.

Haley instantly picked her head up off of his chest and smiled. "Nathan! That's great!" She exclaimed happily, while pulling him in for a sweet kiss.

Nathan sighed, "I guess so."

Haley furrowed her brows, "Why are you not excited?"

"Well it's not definite, so I don't want to get my hopes up. Plus, that means I'd have to leave Tree Hill... and you. So I guess this isn't good news." Nathan said solemnly.

Haley frowned, and placed her hand on the back of his head. "Well if it's what you want, then go for it." She said trying to be positive, even though on the inside she really didn't want him to leave.

Nathan shrugged, "I don't know Hales. But what I do know, is that I love you, and I don't want to leave you."

Haley smiled, "I love you too." She pulled his face to hers, and gave him a long slow kiss. She pulled away and noticed he was in a deep thought. "What are you thinking about baby?"

"Do you think I'm really worth it?" He whispered.

Haley looked into his clear blue eyes, and noticed how vulnerable they looked. "Of course." She said in the same tone of voice.

"But what if we don't work out?" He choked out.

Haley bit her lip, "The future is so uncertain Nathan, but right now, all I know is that I love you. I want you, and I need you. We are in this together, and I will be by your side every step of the way. I will fight for us no matter how hard it is, because that is what love's all about. Okay?"

Nathan nodded. "I know, I just don't want you to do anything that you're going to regret."

"I will never regret anything about us. You know, when I was unsure about dating you, Brooke told me how life is so unpredictable. I didn't want to wonder 'what if?' for the rest of my life, so I gave you a chance, and it was the smartest decision of my life." Haley said smiling through her tears. "Don't give up on us Nathan."

Nathan smiled, "I will never give up. Do you know what I went through to make you go out with me?" He chuckled, "And now that I have you, I'm never letting go. I will love you always and forever."

Haley smiled as a small tear rolled down her cheek. "You scarred me for a second. I thought you were going to break up with me!"

Nathan laughed lightly, "No, definitely not. I just worry sometimes. I feel like I'm not good enough." He shrugged.

Haley placed a lingering kiss on his lips, "Yes you are Nathan. You are good enough, and you are worth the fight. If you weren't, I wouldn't have quit today. Whatever you decide, I will support you. Jackson and I will be by you every step of every way."

Nathan nodded, "Me too. I will always be there for you and him. I know we've only known each other for a few months, but I honestly feel like I've known you my whole life." He said as he pushed a piece of hair behind her ear. "And honestly, I know it's probably too soon to be thinking about this, but when I think of the future I see you and Jackson, and... maybe another baby in it." He admitted shyly.

Haley smiled, and let another tear fall from her brown eyes. "I see that too."

Nathan leaned in and kissed Haley deeply, but pulled away and took a deep breath. "I guess I should tell you my past now, shouldn't I?" Nathan joked.

Haley nodded. "If you want." She smiled.

"Okay well..." Nathan started. "It was about a year ago..."

Nathan stepped out of his brand new red Ferrari, and flipped his ray bands over his eyes, when the Paparazzi's camera flashes were too bright for his eyes.

"Nathan Scott!" He heard people scream.

"Do you have a girlfriend?"

"Smile for the cameras!"

"Can I get an autograph?"

Nathan just wore his infamous smirk, and walked straight into the new club in Charlotte. His smile grew wider when he noticed a bunch of blond models walking by, and he openly checked them out. Seconds later, one of his teammates, patted him on the back. "Hey Nate! Glad you made it."

Nathan turned around and pulled Tony Battle in for a 'man hug'. "I wouldn't miss it! This place is sweet!"

"I know right? What are you drinking?"

"I'll take a beer for now." Nathan stated, and followed his friend to the VIP section of the bar. Nathan sat down on a black leather chair, and instantly two models walked over and sat next to him.

"Hi, I'm Jessica." A blonde girl purred, causing Nathan to smirk.

"I'm Nikki." A black haired girl, who was wearing a tight pink dress, that looked like it was pained on her, said.

"I'm Nathan Scott. But you knew that already." Nathan smirked.

For the next twenty minutes, Nathan pretended to listen to them talk about their outfits, as he drowned himself in vodka and beer.

"Excuse me ladies." He slurred, "I need more alcohol." Nathan excused himself, and slanted himself over to the bar, ordering a round of tequila shots.

"Shots are on me!" Nathan declared, and the people around the bar cheered happily.

Suddenly, Jessica came up from behind Nathan and kissed his cheek. "Dance with me!" She whined.

Nathan rolled his eyes. he hated whiny girls, but he was drunk, and she was hot, so why not?

Jessica practically dragged Nathan onto the dance floor, and she started to grind all over him. After about two songs, the other girl, Nikki came over, wanting to get in on the action.

By this point, Nathan had more drinks then he could count, but that didn't stop him from doing a round of body shots on Jessica. Nikki pouted because she felt as though she wasn't getting 'enough attention' so Nathan then drank shots off of her as well. He was completely wasted, and he felt like the room was spinning. He made his way over to the dance floor when another group of girls started to dance around him. Apparently one of the girls who was dancing near him, had a boyfriend, and that boyfriend got pissed when Nathan put his hands on her.

"Get your hands off of my freaking girlfriend!" The bald headed guy screamed.

Nathan looked up and smirked, "Sorry bro, didn't know she was taken." He slurred, but his hands didn't move from the spot on the girl.

"Why are you still touching her?" He screamed.

Nathan laughed, "What are you going to do about it baldy?" Nathan antagonized.

Bad move.

The bald guy came running into Nathan, nearly knocking him over, and he punched Nathan straight in the eye.

"Fuck off!" Nathan screamed loudly.

The bald guy shoved Nathan as he was about to walk away, but Nathan grabbed the guy by the back of his shirt and punched him in the nose.

"No one touches Nathan Scott and gets away with it!" Nathan slurred.

The bald guy drew his arm back, and was about to punch Nathan again, but security soon came swooping in to break up the fight. Nathan's teammate, also came up to him.

"Hey man are you alright?"

"Oh, yeah, I'm cool." Nathan slurred. "Seriously, it doesn't even hurt."

"Whoa dude, you're plastered. You better call a taxi and get home."

"Yeah, alright. I'll catch up with you tomorrow!" Nathan slurred, and put on his ray bands to cover up his blood shot eyes. He made his way to the valet parking, and took his car. He wasn't that drunk- or so he thought.

"Are you sure you can drive?" The valet man asked.

"Yeah." Nathan said in his most sober voice. "Thanks."

Nathan got into his Ferrari and took a deep breath. His eyes were blurry, and his head was spinning. He only had a five minute drive home, so he should be okay. Right?

Wrong.

Within thirty seconds, Nathan sped off down the street, and turned the corner, not realizing another car was speeding straight toward him. Nathan slammed on the brakes, and his car did a complete 360 degree turn, but the other car flipped over his.

The last thing Nathan saw was the head lights, and everything after that faded to black.

"Oh my god, Nathan!" Haley exclaimed, "Then what happened?"

Nathan took a deep breath. "I woke up in the hospital, with a broken leg, a neck brace because I had severe whip lash, and I have a two inch scar on my back because of the glass from the windows."

Haley gasped, and placed her hand on Nathan's back. "Nathan! That's horrible! I'm so sorry!-"

"There's more." Nathan gulped. "The guy- who I collided with- he's um- he- di- died" Nathan choked out.

Haley's hands flung to her mouth, and covered it. "Oh my- oh my god!" She stuttered.

Nathan hung his head, and frowned. "I know. I bet you hate me now."

Haley looked over at Nathan and frowned, "No, Nathan. I could never hate you. I'm just- shocked."

Nathan took a deep breath. "I know. I couldn't even live with my self. I felt horrible. There were some days I just felt like dying-"

"Nathan!" Haley shrieked.

"-I didn't though." He joked lightly, causing Haley to roll her eyes.

"So then what happened?" Haley asked.

"Well, I pretty much thought my life was over. I thought I was going to be convicted for like murder or something, and I was so guilty, because I thought I was responsible for his death. It turns out though, that he was still alive when his car flipped, and when he tried to flee the scene, he drove into a pole, and that's what killed him."

"Wow." Haley breathed.

"Yeah it's crazy- but it gets even crazier! The guy was speeding, because he got out of jail, and he was driving the wrong way- so technically it wasn't my fault. But I still felt horrible, I mean what if there was a baby or something in the car?" Nathan choked out, and wiped his eyes to keep himself from crying. "I hated my self. I was horrible. I guess it could have been worse, the guy was some crazy physco, so I guess it's better that he died, then some innocent kid- but still, every day I wake up, and my heart aches. I have to live with this for the rest of my life, and it sucks."

Haley listened intently as Nathan poured his heart out to her, and she rubbed soothing circles on his back.

"So yeah, I got on the injured list- so I had to take time out, but also, what people don't know, is that I was suspended from the Bobcats because I was driving drunk-" Nathan sighed as he put his head in his hands. "I couldn't play because of my injuries, but I healed after about 6 months, but my suspension is for two years- so I just told people I was taking a break from basketball. I made a deal with my managers that I would stay out of the public eye, and I wouldn't drink. That all changed when I met you." Nathan laughed lightly. "I didn't drink after that night, but the night you told me you were going on a date with that asshole Mike, I went to a bar, and got drunk. I'm sorry Haley, I know I must have disappointed you." Nathan said sadly.

Haley shook her head, and looked at Nathan with tears in her eyes, "No, you just showed me how strong you are."

"Strong? I practically killed someone, and I drink my problems away! I'm not strong."

Haley placed a light kiss on his cheek, "You're a good guy, Nathan. Like you said, we all have pasts, and I accept yours."

"You do?" Nathan choked.

Haley nodded, "Yeah, How can I not? It happened- and there's nothing left you can do. I can see you're trying to change, and you're an amazing man, Nathan Scott. I love you." She whispered as she placed a kiss under his ear. Nathan pulled her face closer to his, and kissed her deeply. The couple shared a long, hot kiss, but Haley pulled away, when she needed to check the time.

"Oh shit!" She muttered. 'I'm sorry babe, but I need to pick up Jackson from Brooke's. I'll call you later, okay?"

Nathan nodded, and escorted Haley to the door. "Okay, be careful. I love you." He said as he kissed Haley one last time.

"Love you too!" Haley smiled, and made her way outside and got in her car.

She drove carefully to Brooke's house, remembering Nathan's story, and now she wanted to make sure to be extra safe. Haley thought deeply, trying to remember if she heard anything on the news about Nathan Scott. She was still in California when that happened, and she barely paid any attention to the media, so no wonder why she never heard anything about it. One thing from the story really stuck out to her- the part where the guy was escaping jail. Could it be- No. A lot of people escape jail. But- Before Haley could finish her though, she pulled up in front of Brooke's house. Once she parked the car, she got out and walked up the steps, knocking lightly on the door.

A few seconds later, a very angry Brooke was on the other side of the door.

"Is something wrong Brooke?" Haley asked worriedly.

Brooke put her hands on her hips, "I don't know, is there? I mean I thought you were my best friend- but I don't know anything anymore!" Brooke exclaimed.

Haley furrowed her eyebrows. What was with her? "Brooke-" Haley began, but was cut off by Brooke.

"So how long have you been keeping the secret about you and Nathan for?" Brooke huffed.

Haley bit her lip.

Busted.

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